CSU’s March 23-24 Diversity Forum to bring inclusion conversations center stage

March 9, 2022

Columbus State University’s annual Diversity Forum—scheduled for March 23-24 on the CSU campus—will highlight issues of diversity, poverty and inequality in a two-day format.

The forum, which has grown in size and scope from the original 2012 partnership between CSU and the Mayor’s Commission on Diversity and Unity, now works with advocates, supporters and groups within the Columbus community to facilitate conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to the forefront.

Diversity Forum activities begin Wednesday evening with the Legacy Dinner Celebration featuring keynote speaker Darryl M. Bell. Bell is an accomplished executive producer and actor, notably starring as Ron Johnson on NBC’s A Different World, where he discovered his passion for breaking down barriers and telling impactful stories to wide audiences. His digital media knowledge and vision is sought out by industry giants including Comedy Central, Netflix and YouTube. He frequently speaks to universities across the country, sharing stories and working to make a positive impact on the entertainment industry.

On Thursday, the Diversity Conference will include sessions spanning a variety of topics of interest to professionals in higher education, social and community services, the faith community and the business sector. Those include sessions entitled:

• First-Generation College Students
• Social Justice Issues in Technology, Education and Workforce
• Healing Collective Community Trauma through Mental Health and Wellness
• Gender Identity and Pronouns
• Handicap or Resource?: Attitudes toward Linguistic Diversity in the Workplace
• I am Worthy and I Belong: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• Celebration Diversity: Diversity Peer Educators and Graduate Assistants
• Immigration Awareness and Education Continued
• Abilities @ Work

Thursday’s lunch program will feature a conversation with Dr. Gail Burgos, a Columbus State alumna, founder and CEO of Burgos Consulting Group Inc., and current executive director of Girls Inc.

Tickets for the Diversity Forum can be purchased online and include both the March 23 Legacy Celebration dinner and the full-day Diversity Conference on March 24. Single tickets are $45. Groups, organizations and businesses can purchase a table for eight for $340. The deadline to register is Friday, March 18.

For more information, contact CSU’s Diversity Programs and Services at 706.507.8594 or diversity@columbusstate.edu.